Palace look to add Ivorian defender to their ranks
Ousmane Diomande (L) of Sporting celebrates after scoring. EPA/MANUEL FERNANDO ARAUJO
by Staff Reporter
Friday Jun 20, 2025. 11:00
Crystal Palace are currently in talks to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon, according to BBC Sport.
The 21-year-old defender is valued to have a price tag of £40 million and has attracted interest from across Europe, the BBC reports.
Palace claimed the FA Cup for the first time in club history this past season, securing a place in the coming season’s UEFA Europa League.
Participation in European competition is a major factor driving transfers for the club, with Diomande viewed as a high priority target due to the contract situation of club captain Mark Guehi.
Guehi has attracted much interest from around the Premier League, with the player out of a contract at the end of next season. If Palace are to avoid letting the England defender walk for free then he will have to be sold in this transfer window or in January, with the signing of Diomande being made top priority for the club to replace him.
The Ivorian international played 31 games in the Liga Portugal for Sporting Lisbon this past season, helping his side secure their second-straight league title.
By Nic Gleeson